Spinning reels are more popular than ever. Once considered beginner tackle, they’ve gained pro-angler attention for finesse fishing and forward-facing sonar. As a result, a new generation of spinning reels have hit the water with advanced technology and fresh designs to perform better and last longer.
Like many anglers, I started out fishing with a spinning reel because it is easy to cast. Now I use spinning reels for any tactic that requires casting a light lure or bait. A big reason for the appeal of spinning reels is that the fishing line leaves the spool with minimal friction, making it possible to cast a light lure maximum distance. Spinning reels are my choice for finesse fishing, popping corks and unweighted live baits.
I’ve tested a vast collection of reels under real-world conditions, and while there are a number of options readily available for serious angling and big fish, the following are my favorites.
Best Spinning Reels: Our top picks
- Best overall: Shimano Exsence B
- Best budget spinning reel: Okuma Safyre
- Sharpest-looking budget reel: KastKing Royale Legend Pro
- Best saltwater spinning reel: Shimano Stella SW D
- Best for finesse fishing: Lew’s Custom Lite
- Best large reel: Abu Garcia Beast
Best Spinning Reel Overall
Shimano Exsence B
MSRP: $649.99
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Why I love it
In one word: smoothness. The Exsence B is Shimano’s new flagship spinning reel with the latest design and technology focused on smooth casts and retrieves.
Working a finesse lure super slow along the bottom requires a precision reel to feel every bump and bite. The MGL Rotor in the Exsence B is asymmetrical to reduce rotating weight and start-up inertia. A titanium bail arm and carbon rotor further reduce weight. They even moved the line roller and bail mechanism to optimize balance. That means I can easily go from pausing the lure to retrieving slowly for the ultimate finesse action.
One of my favorite features is the Rapid Fire Drag. When I’m fishing a small lure with a small hook, I need to produce maximum drag power on the hookset, then back off the drag to prevent pulling the little hook. The Exsence drag allows me to quickly go from tight to light drag with a slight turn of the drag knob.
These are just the top of the long list of features that make the Exsence B my pick for the best spinning reel overall.
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight carbon-fiber body and rotor
- Quick-adjust drag
- Perfectly balanced
Consider Another Model If
- You are on a budget
- You need a larger spinning reel
Who should buy the Exsence B
With a price tag north of $600, the Exsence B isn’t for everyone. But anglers who specialize in finesse tactics for finicky fish will appreciate the hours of research and development that went into Shimano’s newest flagship spinning reel.
Whether you are tempting deepwater largemouth bass or skinnywater speckled trout, the Exsence B offers control and sensitivity to work a small lure super slow. To cover maximum water, the Exsence spool releases line with minimal friction. Finesse tactics require a slack line that can loop and tangle. The Exsence has a small rubber fin on the rotor to lay the line tightly on the spool. Even the gears are positioned higher in the reel body to improve balance and reduce fatigue.
Spinning reels are the best choice for light lures, and the Exsence B is designed to get the most out of the tactic.
Best Budget Spinning Reel
Okuma Safyre
MSRP: $84.99
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Why I love it
The Safyre from Okuma is a spinning reel that punches above its weight class.
Filled with features at a bargain price, the Safyre offers a reliable reel with strong performance. How about a carbon-fiber drag system and machine-cut brass gears for increased fish-fighting power? I like the machined aluminum spool and handle for corrosion resistance and maximum power. The water-resistant body prevents moisture from entering the drag and pinion gear.
Unlike many lower-priced spinning reels, the Safyre comes in eight models from 1000 to 5000 with high-speed retrieve ratios available in several sizes. This allows me to match the reel to the rod power and lure weight for a balanced combo dialed into a specific tactic.
Reasons to Buy
- Great price
- Carbon-fiber drag
- Machined brass gears
Consider Another Model If
- You need a sealed reel body
- You need a larger reel
Who should buy the Okuma Safyre
The wide range of sizes and retrieve speeds allows the Okuma Safyre to satisfy a wide variety of anglers. Use the 10000-size reel for finesse fishing with ⅛-ounce lures. Or, bump up to the 5000 series for bigger fish or heavier lures and baits. High-speed retrieve ratios available in 2500, 3000 and 4000 models offer quicker pick up to work search baits and high-speed lures.
Beginning anglers looking to get started with a quality reel without breaking the bank will get years of service out of the Okuma Safyre.
Sharpest-Looking Low-Cost Spinning Reel
KastKing Royale Legend Pro
MSRP: $84.99
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Why I love it
When it comes to fishing tackle, you might think appearance is the least important quality. But fishing with a cool-looking spinning reel builds confidence and encourages fishing more often.
The sparkling-purple and jet-black Royale Legend Pro spinning reel is fun to fish with. To look like a pro, combine the reel with the matching Royale Legend Pro fishing rod.
In addition to good looks, the reel offers pro-level features. An asymmetrical, aerodynamic rotor looks cool and reduces rotating weight to smoothly retrieve the line. Adding to the reel’s smooth moves, ten ball bearings and one in the handle provide support and reduce friction in the gears and shaft. Precision-cut aluminum and zinc alloy gears provide 25 pounds of cranking power while reducing weight.
My favorite feature of this reel, though, may be the KastKing website, which offers instructional videos on care and use of the Royale Legend Pro.
Reasons to Buy
- Low price
- Cool looks
- 10+1 ball bearings reduce friction in gears
Consider Another Model If
- You need a sealed reel body
- You need a larger reel
Who should buy the KastKing Royale Legend Pro
The Royale Legend Pro is a great addition to any angler’s arsenal. The reel is available in four sizes from 1000 to 4000 to cover everything from finesse and panfish to deep-diving crankbaits and big bass. The matching rod and reel combos are also available in a baitcasting model, so an angler can build an entire arsenal from the Royale Legend Pro line.
At less than $100, the reel is a great bargain with features found on more expensive models. New anglers also appreciate the instructional videos on KastKing’s website. Experienced anglers looking to add a tactic-specific rod to their lineup can pick up a Royale Legend Pro combo without feeling any remorse. For example, I always carry a topwater lure ready to go. I don’t always use the combo, but I need it ready when fish are feeding on the surface. I don’t feel guilty about rigging a Royale Legend Pro 3000 with a Zara Spook, even though I don’t always use the combo. When I need it, the reel’s solid construction and premium features are ready for action.
Best Saltwater Spinning Reel
Shimano Stella SW D
MSRP: $1,169.99
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Why I Love It
Shimano’s Stella spinning reel has been the pinnacle of saltwater spinning reels, and the new 8000-size SW D takes the reputation to new levels. The Stella SW D is focused on reliable performance in the worst conditions a spinning reel can face: saltwater and big fish.
The Stella has a cold-forged, all-metal body micro-engineered for great strength at a low weight. It counters classic spinning reel weak points with a rock-solid design. The line roller is coated with a diamond-hard surface turning on a sealed bearing for smoothly retrieving line and reducing heat and friction. Something you’ll be thankful for when a 500-pound tuna takes a long run against the 55 pounds of drag.
The Stella’s technology might be overkill for smaller fish, but the design and materials equate to a longer life and less maintenance for anglers who fish hard and expect the most out of their tackle.
Reasons to Buy
- Sealed body and components
- 55 pounds of drag pressure
- More gear-to-gear surface contact
Consider Another Model If
- You are on a budget
- You target smaller fish
Who should buy the Stella SW 8000 D
The Stella SW 8000 D is not for everyone, but for an angler who fishes obsessively and wants nothing to keep them off the water, the Stella SW 8000 D is a logical investment.
Best Large-Frame Spinning Reel
Abu Garcia Beast
MSRP: $229.95
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Why I love it
Beating a trophy striped bass, red drum, cobia or tarpon is a test only a serious saltwater spinning reel passes. For extra credit, a large spinning reel casts and retrieves a large, heavy lure. The Abu Garcia Beast scores high marks in both categories.
To achieve maximum drag without breaking the line, the Beast uses carbon fiber drag washers that dissipate heat to maintain steady force during a long fight. The stiff aluminum-alloy frame absorbs the drag’s torque without twisting or flexing under pressure.
The insides are tough, too. A stainless steel shaft and eight ball bearings, including four shielded bearings, back up the drag with pure cranking power. Casting a large lure or live bait with a spinning reel isn’t easy. The Beast spool and rotor are designed to collect and release line more efficiently to almost eliminate wind knots.
The oscillating spool and spinning rotor collect line in a wide pattern. When I cast the lure, the line leaves the reel smoothly without catching underlying layers of line. This is especially important when targeting big fish. Fighting the fish generates incredible pressure to tightly pack the line on the reel. Then, casting a large lure causes the line to leave quickly. The Beast’s rotor and spool prevent the line from digging into the spool.
My favorite touch is the aluminum reel handle and large, round knob that allows me to get maximum cranking power from the reel.
Reasons to Buy
- Aluminum frame
- Carbon-fiber drag washers
- Spool and rotor designed for heavy drag
Consider Another Model If
- You need a sealed reel body
- You are looking for a smaller reel
Who should buy the Beast
Starting with a 3000 size and moving up to 5000, the Abu Garcia Beast covers any Leviathan the waters throw your way. With 26 pounds of drag, the 5000 size reel stops tarpon, big redfish and lunker striped bass. The 3000 model features 24 pounds of drag appropriate for fish in the 26- to 30-inch range. The 3500 and 4000 cover everything in between.
A large spinning reel offers a few advantages when targeting big fish. I like a large spinner for casting and free lining large live baits. The spinning reel doesn’t tangle the line when lobbing a wriggling eel or flopping menhaden. Spinning reels are also popular for casting popping corks, because a large cork and long leader fly erratically, which can cause a baitcasting reel to tangle. A spinning reel also makes it easier to fight a fish. The reel and line guides hang below the rod to absorb pressure without causing the rod to twist. The Abu Garcia Beast is aptly named with features that demand respect from the biggest fish in the sea.
Best Ultralight Spinning Reel
Lew’s Custom Lite
MSRP: $189.99
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Why I love it
Sure, holding tight to a broomstick and coffee grinder while a monster fish tries to rip off my arms is a lot of fun, but I get just as much excitement from finessing a 14-inch striped bass out of the dock lights. Fishing light tackle for small fish is just as tricky as fooling a giant. To best a panfish or native trout, I need an ultralight reel capable of casting a feather into a headwind. Lew’s Custom Lite Spinning Reel shaves weight without sacrificing power.
The single-piece frame and rotor of the Custom Lite are machined out of a blend of carbon fiber and metal to achieve maximum strength with minimal weight. Inside the reel, 11 stainless-steel ball bearings and an aluminum shaft increase power and improve durability. The aluminum spool further reduces weight without sacrificing strength, making the Custom Lite ready for super-thin braided line.
To fish small lures and light line, I like an ultralight rod and reel. The Custom Lite is one of the smallest reels compared to similar-class competitors. When a 12-inch redfish takes off pulling drag from the Custom Lite, I have the confidence of a solid reel to fight back.
Reasons to Buy
- 11 stainless-steel ball bearings
- Carbon fiber frame and rotor
- Compact, lightweight body
Consider Another Model If
- You need a larger reel
- You need higher line capacity
Who should buy the Lew’s Custom Lite
Targeting smaller fish and finessing trophies requires a compact and light spinning reel capable of smooth, consistent power. The Lew’s Custom Lite spinning reels feature a silky smooth drag and titanium-coated line roller to apply pressure without breaking ultra-light braided line. To fish Ned rigs or cast little jigs with an ultralight rod, the Custom Lite is up to the challenge of handling small lures and hard-pulling fish.
Light-tackle anglers appreciate the compact size and reduced weight to improve sensitivity and responsiveness. I use the Custom Lite to cast small soft plastics to feisty striped bass hiding under local boat docks. The fish respond better to small lures, and I have to pull them from the structure without breaking the line. The tiny reel pairs with my light-action rod, allowing me to carefully work the lure and fight the fish with authority.
Spinning Reel Buying Advice
Before purchasing a spinning reel, answer a few questions about line capacity, matching the reel to the rod, your lure and the size of the target fish.
Spinning reels are labeled with sizes that correspond with line capacity. A 1000-size reel holds approximately 100 yards of 10-pound test braided fishing line, while a 5000 reel holds about 250 yards of 20-pound test. A 1000-size reel would be appropriate for light and ultralight rods, while a 5000-size spinning reel can power a medium-heavy to heavy rod. The most common combination is a 2500-size spinning reel and a medium-action rod. The size of the reel and rod combo matches the weight of the lure and size of the target fish. For example, a ⅛ ounce jig and small- to medium-sized fish is a perfect match for the 1000-size reel, while lures weighing over an ounce and fish weighing double digits can be tamed with a 5000-size reel.
Spinning reels take a lot of abuse, so durability is a primary concern when choosing the best reel.
A spinning reel hangs off the rod, and the thin bail wire rotates at high speed, putting these components at high risk of damage. I look for a spinning reel with a tough metal bail and reinforced roller guide. A good reel body is sealed with metal or reinforced carbon sideplates and frame. On a spinning reel, the shaft and drag are outside the reel, where they are exposed to moisture and dirt. Sealed bearings and carbon fiber drag washers prevent intrusion and resist corrosion. When I buy a spinning reel, I look for tough construction.
I also want a light reel that is more comfortable to use. Since the spinning reel hangs from the rod, it moves side to side as I turn the reel handle. I have to tightly grip the rod to counter this movement. A lighter reel is easier to control and reduces fatigue during a long day on the water. Of course, lightweight and durable construction are contradictions, so I expect to pay a little more for a great spinning reel.
Best Spinning Reel Brands
How We Tested
To make the cut as the best spinning reel, my picks are easy to use and designed for light lures and long casts.
A Spinning reel must also be durable and reliable. Spinning reels are more susceptible to damage because the reel body and handle hang farther away from the rod. Reels with corrosion-resistant components and high-quality materials stand the test of time.
To cast and retrieve lightweight lures and baits, a light and compact spinning reel increases sensitivity for finesse tactics. A ported spool, small body, advanced materials and minimalist design save weight without sacrificing performance. Ultra-smooth gears further improve sensitivity by reducing grinding and skipping. Those ultra-smooth gears mean as I turn the reel handle I can feel every bump and bite from a fish.
When a big fish is on the line, the reel needs a solid body and smooth drag to win the battle. Producing heavy drag is pointless without heat-reducing carbon-fiber drag washers to maintain steady pressure when a fish makes a long run.
Wind knots are the spinning reel’s Achilles heel. If the line is not under pressure when it wraps around the spool, a loop gets caught in the spool. On the next cast, the line catches the loop and causes a tangle. To avoid this, spinning reels need to use an advanced roller guide that smoothly and evenly wraps the line around the spool.
After accounting for all of these factors, I chose these spinning reel winners because they are equal parts beauty and beast. Smooth, precise line control and durable, sturdy construction come together to make the best spinning reel.
Why Trust Us
Ric Burnley is the editor of Kayak Angler. He is also the author of the book, The Complete Kayak Fisherman. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say he has held in his hands just about every spinning reel created over the past few decades.
Feature Image: Ric Burnley
